Study of antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 OF copper nanoparticles and copper oxide supported in kefiran

Abstract

Copper nanoparticles (NPs) (CuNPs) and copper oxide (CuONPs) have antiviral and antimicrobial properties against various types of microorganisms and low production cost. Because of this, these NPs have been used in tests against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. It is currently known that transmission of bacteria and viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, can occur due to the transport and use of contaminated food packaging. To this end, the development of packaging using polymers with antibacterial properties has grown a lot in recent years. In particular, the use of natural polymers has attracted attention due to the reduction of environmental impacts related to their disposal. With these motivations, the present work aims to synthesize CuNPs and CuONPs and to test the antimicrobial and virucidal activity of these NPs, pure and inserted in natural kefiran films, against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria and also against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is also intended to carry out mechanical and cytotoxicity tests of the films. (AU)